NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls and 39 owner complaints for the 2004 Pontiac Montana. Most complaints involve electrical system (5) and latches/locks/linkages (5). The EPA rates it 18–20 mpg combined.
DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN THE STEERING KNUCKLE BREAKING IN THE HUB AREA.
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, VARIATIONS IN THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS OR EXPOSURE TO HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES MAY LEAD TO FRACTURE OF THE FUEL TANK INLET CHECK VALVE (ICV).
CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“REPEATED DRIVING WITHIN 1/4 MILE OF THE INDIANAPOLIS REGIONAL AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL RADAR ANTENNA CAUSES SOME OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILURE INDICATORS TO TURN ON FOR SEVERAL SECONDS. THE "BATTERY" AND "AIRBAG" INDICATORS TURN ON AND CLICKING NOISE IS HEARD FROM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE LAMP INDICATIONS ARE ABOUT THE SAME AS WHEN THE ENGINE IS FIRST STARTED. MY CONCERN IS THAT THIS MAY BE DOING DAMAGE TO THE COMPUTER WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FUTURE FAILURE. *TR”
“I HAVE A 2004 PONTIAC MONTANA VAN WITH A PASSENGER SIDE POWER SLIDING DOOR. MY GRANDSON PUSHED THE POWER BUTTON WHILE I WAS IN THE DOORWAY AND THE DOOR SQUASHED ME PRETTY HARD, NO BRUISES OR INJURIES THOUGH. IT CONCERNED ME BECAUSE I HAVE YOUNG GRANDCHILDREN. I PLAYED WITH THE DOOR TO SEE HOW MUCH FORCE IT TAKES TO STOP IT WITH MY HAND. I HAD TO PUSH HARD AND IT PUSHED ME BACKWARDS A WAYS BEFORE I COULD STOP IT. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPROGRAMMED THE DOOR, WHICH DID NOTHING TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THE NEXT DAY AFTER READING THE MANUAL THAT SAID IT TAKES MORE FORCE TO STOP IT THE MORE CLOSED THE DOOR IS, I PLAYED WITH IT SOME MORE BUT THIS TIME I COULDN'T REVERSE THE DOOR AT ALL WITH MY HAND PUSHING AGAINST IT WITH ALL MY WEIGHT, STARTING WHEN THE DOOR WAS FULLY OPEN. I THEN STUCK A PENCIL IN THE OPENING, WHICH THE DAY BEFORE WAS ABLE TO REVERSE THE DOOR THOUGH IT DID PUT A GOOD DENT IN THE WOOD. THIS TIME IT SNAPPED THE PENCIL IN TWO AND HALF WAS COMPLETELY SHUT INTO THE DOOR. I SHUDDER TO THINK WHAT THIS WOULD DO TO MY LITTLE 18 MONTH OLD GRANDDAUGHTHER'S FINGERS. THE SERVICE CENTER WAS VERY NICE BUT THEIR HANDS ARE TIED BECAUSE SUPPOSEDLY, THIS IS HOW…”
“2004 MONTANA AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. *TS THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION. THE CONSUMER SUSTAINED CHEST, LEG, AND CHEST INJURIES. *NM”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montana FWD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,100 | 444 |
| Montana AWD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.4 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,450 | 494 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
5 safety recalls as of Nov 9, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 39 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (5), latches/locks/linkages (5), air bags (4). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2004 Pontiac Montana at 18–20 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).